Scroll below to see the slideshow of the details of this piece from a variety of angles

I wanted to create something that spoke to my feeling about my husband and kids and how they are the world to me!

Sometimes I feel when you tell them how much you love them, itfeels good, but since they hear it regularly, it doesn't have that power I want it to convey. So this piece was created to put the power behind the words.

Its base is a shadow box, symbolic of the depth of the meaning in the artwork.The inside interior was done with scrapbook paper which was painted, stamped and distressed to give it a vintage look.

The focal point is an antique piece of hardware from which a protruding arm extends outward holding a heart made from polymer clay. On the left are 3 embellishments- the top and bottom are metal buttons, the center is a polymer clay created disk. All three are painted with a blue metallic paint highlighted in gold.

Beneath the arm is the wording: "Unlocked" formed from small wooden blocks covered in tissue paper, which has been distressed and stamped with lettering.

The interior is sealed with a polyacrylic sealer to keep it protected.

The outer frame is a combination of muted earthy tones in brown and red.The back side is covered in pattern paper that has been distressed and stamped as well. There is a metal hanger on the back so it can be put up onto your wall right away.

This is a recently completed mixed media piece. The texture was created using spackle, and also includes cardboard and old hardware. It was painted with metallic paint and alcohol inks, and highlighted with gold paste, then received a layer of resin to bring out the depth of the color.

It is hard to really see the true colors--I am not a professional photographer and the resin creates a shine when taking the photo.

Size: 11" x 12" Substrate: Wood​Ready for hanging

It is available for sale.

$150

Contact me through https://www.facebook.com/EarthyByDesign/ or at 267- 377 -0088 if you are interested in purchasing this piece.

To some you may look at an old, used paintbrush as something that needs to be quickly trashed. I look and think...Hmm, what can I do with this?

This Altered Paint Brush Assemblage was one of those times.

WHAT I DIDUsing modeling paste, I covered the entire paintbrush with a light coat, then created a great deal of texture with a variety of household items. A nose was created, hardware was sifted through to find pieces to create facial features, then the entire brush was painted with a metallic palette of mostly greens, oranges, and golds.

Wire was wrapped around the handle. A dangle was added---a copper spiral and a wire wrapped crystal point. The hair was colored and a picture hanger was placed on the back.

The wooden part of the brush received a thin coat of polyacrylic as a sealer.

And Volia! No longer a piece of trash but a fun piece of art to hang on the wall.

It is available at my Etsy Shop, if you are interested in adding this to your unique collection of artwork!